Tips for Finding International Jobs

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1. Develop a Job-Search Strategy
The first thing you need to do is develop an overall job-search strategy. What’s involved in developing a job-search strategy? Determine the types of companies that interest you, as well as the different methods you’ll use to track down job leads.

2. Determine What Jobs You Want to Pursue Overseas
One of the biggest problems we see with inexperienced job-seekers is having no real focus in their job-search. Develop a profile of the types of jobs that interest you and that you are qualified for. Be specific.

3. Research Potential Jobs, Companies, and Countries
Consider building a spreadsheet that contains all the information you need to know, including job titles, skills and experience required, company name and location, and citizenship or work eligibility requirements.

4. Develop/Polish/Acquire Key Job/Language Skills
Once you’ve completed your research, you should have a clear understanding of whether you have all the skills you need for the jobs you seek. Studies show that the three key items global employers desire from job-seekers are: technical knowledge in your field, cross-cultural adaptability and language fluency skills, and prior work experience.

5. Prepare Job-Search Correspondence
As with any kind of job search, your job-search correspondence is critically important; perhaps even more so because of the regional differences in resumes and curriculum vitas (CV). More than likely, you will need to convert your resume to a CV. Most countries outside the U.S. favor the CV over the resume.

6. Build and Use Your Network of Contacts — Locally and Internationally
While networking is important for job-hunting in your home country, it is absolutely crucial in the global job-search. Take advantage of all networking sources, especially college alumni and professional organizations. People in your network can not only help you by alerting you to job leads, but can also help you with developing other contacts, understanding the economics and culture of the country where they reside, and other key background information that may be helpful in your job-search.

7. Prepare for the Global Job Interview
The majority of your initial job (screening) interviews will probably be conducted in a non-personal medium, such as through email, telephone, or video conferencing. You need to be prepared not only for dealing with these specific types of interviewing methods, but also be confident in your language skills.

8. Follow-Up All Job Leads
It’s essential — for your job-search success — to make the effort to follow-up ALL job leads. Don’t let any potential jobs slip through your hands. Make phone calls and send e-mails to all your prospective employers and inquire about the status of the job openings.

9. Contemplate Going/Moving Abroad
In job-hunting, nothing beats meeting with prospective employers face-to-face. If you have the resources, consider traveling or moving to the country or region where you want to work. Once there, meet with potential employers and consider volunteering, interning, or other work alternatives while you continue to search for that ideal position.

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